Israel is in a moment of intense internal upheaval politically and it’s impacting its “start-up nation” image.
At a time when billions of dollars are being transferred out of Israel in the wake of a new ultra-right-wing government taking power, Citibank has doubled down on its public support for Israel’s apartheid government.
New visualization of Citi’s partnership in Israel’s apartheid and genocide:
Days after extremist anti-Palestinian Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a Palestinian village to be “wiped out,” Citibank leadership very publicly decided to hold cordial meetings with Smotrich to calm the markets — despite other major institutions like the International Monetary Fund, the US Chamber of Commerce, and others refusing to even meet Smotrich due to his pro-genocide statements. But it’s what Citibank is doing more quietly that might be even more disturbing.
Citibank is deeply invested in Israel’s infrastructure as the largest U.S. banking institution in the country, especially in its role funding the “tech-washing” of Israeli apartheid by investing heavily in Israel’s tech sector. Citibank has also actively facilitated billions in Israeli military weapon funding, helping to financially power the infrastructure that keeps apartheid running.
At a time when there’s an unprecedented opportunity to weaken and move to end Israeli apartheid, Citibank has indicated their willingness to shore up what is likely Israel’s most openly authoritarian government and place profits over the lives of Palestinians living under occupation.
